Godfrey Seeking Input From ‘Older’ Residents At Upcoming Forum

Village of Godfrey Board of Trustees: Public Safety, Finance, Board Meetings

GODFREY – Godfrey officials plan to ask their more “seasoned” residents for opinions on various village topics later this fall.

The village plans to host an “Older Adult Residents of Godfrey” Forum at the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club on Sept. 16, 2026.

Finance Committee members unanimously approved a $2,000 budget for the event at their June 2, 2026 meeting. The total includes $1,000 for supplies and $1,000 to cover the cost of $25 meals for 40 people.

Economic Development Director Jim Mager said there is no strict age range to participate in the September event. However, following the ‘Under 40 Focus Group’ event held last March, village officials are mostly seeking input from those over the age of 40.

Mager said the event will basically serve as a “repeat” of a the prior forum held to gather input from younger Godfrey residents, this time involving more “seasoned” or “mature” residents. Mager included various findings from the last forum in a memo to village officials.

Based on the younger group’s responses, Mager said the proposed recreation center has generated significant interest. Respondents emphasized a need for a “multi-purpose” facility featuring an event space and indoor recreation options during the winter months. The group expressed an openness to reasonably raised taxes or fees to potentially offset the center’s construction cost, though the topic of funding was not discussed in detail.

While younger residents do want to see some growth in Godfrey, they emphasized the importance of the village keeping its “small-town feel and charm.” Respondents reportedly value locally owned, boutique-style small businesses over big box retail stores, and expressed a desire for greenspace and child-safe neighborhoods.

Younger residents also said the village’s history could be better promoted and emphasized to create more of a community culture and identity. This could take the form of music festivals, art exhibits, and other events to highlight the history of Godfrey.

Housing affordability was another important topic for young residents, who feel Godfrey’s home prices are slightly higher but still reasonable compared to other nearby communities. Respondents said village officials should try to keep taxes low, but feel the higher home costs are reflected in desirable community attributes.

A full recording of the June 2, 2026 Godfrey Village Board meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.

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